[zackzack]

Recently got myself RCA 6AS7G power tubes and Sylvania 7308 JAN NOS drivers to replace WA2 stock tubes.
Wider & deeper soundstage, blacker background, smoother sound all around.
And yes, the bass coming from Mega City One  (Dredd Soundtrack) used to be very good now it is awesome.
Mass string section of classical tracks can breathe easier.
 
Very nice upgrade but not cheap. The RCAs used to be
much cheaper, I heard
 
 

 

[mikoss]

I will probably regret posting this (because I want them!), but here are more cheap RCA 6AS7G's, if anyone needs a pair:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Tubes-6AS7G-6AS7-RCA-Twin-Power-Triodes-LG-Test-106-104-102-102-PAIR-/351273592835?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item51c989a803

 

[MIKELAP]

  I will probably regret posting this (because I want them!), but here are more cheap RCA 6AS7G's, if anyone needs a pair:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Tubes-6AS7G-6AS7-RCA-Twin-Power-Triodes-LG-Test-106-104-102-102-PAIR-/351273592835?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item51c989a803

Maybe you didnt notice seller says one of them has a loose base.sorry its loose glue in the base

 

[picklgreen]

Finally bought a pair of GEC 6AS7G tubes! They are straight brown base though. Thanks to dminches.

 

[picklgreen]

The WE 421a is a total waste of money - it is just a Tung Sol 5998 rebranded - nothing more. The TS 5998 on the other hand are terrific (and should be $50 each or less).



 

This is totally wrong! Comparing the 2 tubes you can clearly see the difference. But if you actually own the 2 you can defiantly HEAR a difference! The 421A have better dynamics, more air, transparency and sound stage imaging.. Western Electric are the absoulte best of the best tubes period. And the 421A are relatively cheap tubes. Check out how much a pair of NOS western electirc 300B cost!
 
The differences are:
 
421A have dual bottom halos or D getter with spiral wound "pigtails" filament wiring. 5998 have STRAIGHT filament wiring. 421A has higher gain.

 

[Behemoth27]

Right now enjoying telefunken 6922 and tung sol 7236. Alough did minimal tube rolling.

Going to look for a rectifier. Using the stock Electro harmonix still. Have a pair of Ei Ez80's on the way.

Love this amp.

 

[mikoss]

Mm Tele's with 7236's sounds like a great match. Still hoping to find a modestly priced pair of e188cc Telefunken tubes myself... They're pretty pricey on eBay.

 

[Dubstep Girl]

 
This is totally wrong! Comparing the 2 tubes you can clearly see the difference. But if you actually own the 2 you can defiantly HEAR a difference! The 421A have better dynamics, more air, transparency and sound stage imaging.. Western Electric are the absoulte best of the best tubes period. And the 421A are relatively cheap tubes. Check out how much a pair of NOS western electirc 300B cost!
 
The differences are:
 
421A have dual bottom halos or D getter with spiral wound "pigtails" filament wiring. 5998 have STRAIGHT filament wiring. 421A has higher gain.

 
i noticed no major difference between them, might have been placebo but MAYBE just MAYBE the 421A had slightly more extended highs and an airier sound, but the differences are so insignificant, i would buy the 421A just for the bragging rights and the better looking tube, but otherwise i'm convinced they're the same tubes until my ears tell me otherwise.

 

[billerb1]

 I've decided to sell my last remaining pair of Tung Sol 5998's.  They were bought NOS and matched... have about 250 or so hours on them now.  No tube noise, microphonics or any BS.  Dead quiet.  $199 + $12 USPS Priority shipping.  I'll eat the Paypal fee.  Shipping to CONUS only.  PM me.


************************** S O L D *************************

 

[StanT]

  This is totally wrong! Comparing the 2 tubes you can clearly see the difference. But if you actually own the 2 you can defiantly HEAR a difference! The 421A have better dynamics, more air, transparency and sound stage imaging.. Western Electric are the absoulte best of the best tubes period. And the 421A are relatively cheap tubes. Check out how much a pair of NOS western electirc 300B cost!
 
The differences are:
 
421A have dual bottom halos or D getter with spiral wound "pigtails" filament wiring. 5998 have STRAIGHT filament wiring. 421A has higher gain.

I'm going to disagree. I have at least a dozen pairs of 5998 with various construction. Several of the have spiral wound pigtails, several have bottom halo getters, etc. A couple pairs do not have dimples on the plates. All of them sound the same and have similar gain. I have a single 421A that I used for comparison (in a WA3). The construction is consistent with several of my 5998, as is the sound and gain.
 
I'l buy 421As being cherry picked and matched. I'm not buying them being a different tube.
 
I've seen pictures of a tube labeled both 421A and 5998. That ought to end the argument; but Google isn't cooperating with popping it up.
 
 
edited to add pics:
 

 

 

[picklgreen]

Yes the Western Electric 421A/5998 are the same tubes (they did label them 421A/5998 in the 1950's). But the Tung Sol 5998 IS NOT A WESTERN ELECTRIC 421A!!!

 

[gintamafans]

Just got my wa2~~~and researched on tube rolling, looks like first thing I should get is Tung Sol 5998?
Can anyone tell me a good place to get them?

 

[earthpeople]

Keeping an eye out on eBay is probably the easiest way to get a pair at a decent price. 

 

[picklgreen]

Oh look what the cat dragged in! What's in the box? What's in the box?!?



Western Electric 421A

 

[mikoss]

Oh look what the cat dragged in! What's in the box? What's in the box?!?



Western Electric 421A

I need to get a cat just like yours...